Toy company Mattel has created a Barbie doll in honour of Oxford vaccine co-creator Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert. Dame Sarah, who led development of the life-saving jab, said she initially found the gesture “very strange” but hoped it would inspire young girls to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). “I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls into Stem careers and hope that children who see my Barbie will realise how vital careers in science are to help the world around us,” she said. “My wish is that my doll will show children careers they may not be aware of, like a vaccinologist.”
They include US healthcare workers Amy O’Sullivan and Dr Audrey Cruz, Canadian doctor and campaigner Dr Chika Stacy Oriuwa, Brazilian biomedical researcher Dr Jaqueline Goes de Jesus and Dr Kirby White, an Australian medic who co-created a reusable gown for frontline staff.
Lisa McKnight, senior vice-president and global head of Barbie and dolls at Mattel, said: “Barbie recognises that all frontline workers have made tremendous sacrifices when confronting the pandemic and the challenges it heightened. To shine a light on their efforts, we are sharing their stories … to inspire the next generation to take after these heroes and give back.”
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Toy company Mattel has created a Barbie doll in honour of Oxford vaccine co-creator Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert. Dame Sarah, who led development of the life-saving jab, said she initially found the gesture “very strange” but hoped it would inspire young girls to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). “I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of girls into Stem careers and hope that children who see my Barbie will realise how vital careers in science are to help the world around us,” she said. “My wish is that my doll will show children careers they may not be aware of, like a vaccinologist.”
Oxford Professor Sarah Gilbert is the model for the brainiest Barbie yet
Prof Sarah Gilbert chosen as one of six Barbie role models – all science and healthcare workers credited with inspiring the next generation
4 August 2021 • 9:54am
In the past year she has been hailed as a national saviour, awarded a damehood, appeared in Vogue and even treated to a standing ovation at Wimbledon.
Now, Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert, the brains behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, has received another accolade: a Barbie doll in her honour.
The vaccinologist has been named as one of six “Barbie role models” – all science and healthcare workers credited with inspiring the next generation of women by their efforts during the pandemic.